Effect Change for an Evolving Global Environment

Gain a first-hand appreciation for your physical surroundings, and a comprehensive understanding of our dependencies on the natural world in a rapidly changing 21st century. In this program you will explore science informed solutions to environmental problems involving government action, collective effort, and personal initiative. You will obtain a deep understanding of and appreciation for the complexity of human-environment interactions.

Course of Study for Environmental Studies

In addition to a field and research-based required core of 18 credits and a required GIS course, you will choose 12 credits of course work from two categories: Naturalist Education and Ecological Philosophy, Public Policy, and Civic Engagement, and 9 credits of internship coursework. Throughout the program, a systems-based perspective and civically engaged environmental field research are emphasized.

Review the program of study in more detail.

Watch Author and Environmental Activist Dr. John Francis' Presentation at Lesley University

Featured Courses

CNSCI 2100 Humans and the Environment

This course provides an interdisciplinary focus on the interactions between humans and the environment. Topics of consideration include an overview of ecosystems; population growth; species extinction and preservation; air, water, and soil pollution and control; agriculture and world food production; and preservation, conservation, and sustainable resource management. Specific case studies will be considered as well as the view of different cultures toward their physical surroundings.

CNSCI 3540 Environmental Field Research

Students enrolled in this interdisciplinary course complete a significant field research project focused on ecological sustainability. Students are expected to demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. They use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, and communicate information. Students utilize computer-based tools for organization, data collection, modeling, productivity, and presentation. The results are disseminated to the Lesley community and the general public through several venues (examples: poster session, oral, electronic and print forms of presentation).

Faculty Spotlight

David Morimoto
Associate Professor of Biology, Director of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Natural Science and Mathematics program